COLLABORATIVE LAW

Collaborative law, often referred to as the “no court divorce,” provides families the unique opportunity to maintain complete control over their future bolstered with a pledge not to litigate.  The parties and their collaborative lawyers sign a contract by which they agree that the case will not be taken to court.

Collaborative law started in Minnesota and quickly gained popularity in California, Florida, Illinois and on the East Coast.  It is also unique in that offers the opportunity to bring in other professionals, accountants or child psychologists for example, to assist the parties in forming the best asset allocation, support agreement, or parenting plan possible.  The parties, their collaborative lawyers, and any other necessary professionals complete a series of negotiation sessions until a comprehensive, individualized agreement is reached.

The third unique feature of collaborative law is that each party has his or her own “divorce coach.”  The coach received specific training in helping individuals with all the life changes that occur when one leaves a marriage.  From providing therapeutic support to teaching household book-keeping or budgeting to the spouse who did not handle the family finances, the divorce coach eases the difficult transition.

BKR Family Dispute Resolution features one of just a few central Indiana attorneys who have been trained in the collaborative law process, Melanie Reichert.  For more information regarding collaborative law, please e-mail Melanie at mreichert@bkrlaw.com or call (317) 571-3601.